What’s the Difference: AP Calculus AB vs BC

Are you interested in taking AP® Calculus? If you are, then you’ve probably noticed that there are two different courses available: AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC . Here’s what you need to know about comparing AP Calculus AB vs BC. This information will help you choose which exam to take or if you should take both.

Are the Structures of the AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC Exams Different?

No. The structures of the two exams are absolutely identical including the question formats, question numbers, time allowed, and calculator rules. Here’s a breakdown of the structure:

Test	Section	Part	Questions	Minutes	Calculator Permitted?	Weighting	Question Format
Calculus AB	Section I	Part A	30	60	No	33.3%	Multiple-Choice
		Part B	15	45	Yes	16.7%	Multiple-Choice
	Section II	Part A	2	30	Yes	16.7%	Free-Response
		Part B	4	60	No	33.3%	Free-Response
AP Calculus BC	Section I	Part A	30	60	No	33.3%	Multiple-Choice
		Part B	15	45	Yes	16.7%	Multiple-Choice
	Section II	Part A	2	30	Yes	16.7%	Free-Response
		Part B	4	60	No	33.3%	Free-Response

Are the Topics Tested Different?

Yes and no. Every topic that is tested on the AP Calculus AB exam is also tested on the AP Calculus BC exam. However, some topics are tested exclusively on the AP Calculus BC exam.

	AP Calculus AB	AP Calculus BC
Limits and Continuity	Yes	Yes
Intermediate Value Theorem	Yes	Yes
Power, Product, Quotient, and Chain Rules	Yes	Yes
Trigonometric and Inverse Trigonometric Derivatives	Yes	Yes
Exponential and Logarithmic Derivatives	Yes	Yes
Differentiating Inverse Functions	Yes	Yes
Position, Velocity, and Acceleration	Yes	Yes
Related Rates	Yes	Yes
Approximation through Linearization	Yes	Yes
L’Hospital’s Rule	Yes	Yes
Mean Value Theorem	Yes	Yes
Local/Global Extrema	Yes	Yes
Concavity	Yes	Yes
Optimization	Yes	Yes
Reimann Sums	Yes	Yes
u-Substitution	Yes	Yes
Integration through Long Division	Yes	Yes
Integration through Completing the Square	Yes	Yes
Integration through Linear Partial Fractions	No	Yes
Integration by Parts	No	Yes
Improper Integrals	No	Yes
Slope Fields	Yes	Yes
Euler’s Method	No	Yes
Exponential Differential Equations	Yes	Yes
Logistic Differential Equations	No	Yes
Average Value Theorem	Yes	Yes
Areas Between Curves	Yes	Yes
Volumes with Cross Sections and Axes of Rotationv	Yes	Yes
Arc Length	No	Yes
Parametric Equations	No	Yes
Polar Equations	No	Yes
Infinite Series	No	Yes
Power Series	No	Yes
Taylor Polynomials	No	Yes

What Are the Two Tests Used For?

According to College Board, the AP Calculus AB course is approximately equivalent to the first semester of college calculus, while the AP Calculus BC course is approximately equivalent to the first two semesters of college calculus. However, it’s up to individual colleges to determine what credit and/or placement to award, so it’s best to check with them regarding what will transfer over.

Does that Mean that the AP Calculus BC Exam Is All-or-Nothing?

Not necessarily. When you receive your score report for the AP Calculus BC exam, you will also receive a Calculus AB subscore. This subscore reflects the portion of your AP Calculus BC exam that included topics that are also tested on the AP Calculus AB exam. This subscore will have the same 1–5 scale as the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC exams. College Board encourages colleges to treat the Calculus AB subscore the same as they would treat the AP Calculus AB exam. However, this may also vary depending on the policies of each individual college, so check with the schools you’re applying to.

Use this information, along with guidance from your councilors, to make an informed decision about which course is best for you.